Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders, primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls. A customized exercise plan is developed from the findings of the clinical assessment.
Various conditions can harm the vestibular system. Common causes of vestibular injury include inner ear infections, inflammation or fluid buildup in the inner ear, and head and neck traumas. Custom vestibular rehab exercises help with vestibular symptoms of these conditions, like dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, and vision changes. BPPV, for example, is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It happens when tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of their normal position. The crystals float through a part of the ear that sends false signals about head position to the brain. This can result in a spinning sensation, nausea, and jerking eye movements.
Vestibular rehabilitation is designed to treat problems caused by vestibular injury. When the vestibular system is damaged, it sends abnormal signals to the brain. Vestibular rehab uses specialized movements to help the brain adapt to these signals. Through vestibular rehab exercises, the brain learns to rely more heavily on cues from other parts of the body. This, in turn, allows the body to use different senses –– like vision and touch –– to overcome symptoms.